How should fungal infections in rats be treated? - briefly
Use a systemic antifungal such as itraconazole (≈10 mg/kg orally once daily) or fluconazole (≈15 mg/kg orally once daily) for 7–14 days, adjusting duration according to clinical response and laboratory confirmation. Keep housing dry, well‑ventilated, and free of contaminated bedding to prevent reinfection.
How should fungal infections in rats be treated? - in detail
Effective management of mycotic diseases in rats requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate antifungal selection, dosage optimization, and supportive care.
First, identify the pathogen through culture, histopathology, or PCR. Common agents include Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and dermatophytes. Species determination guides drug choice because susceptibility varies among fungi.
Second, choose an antifungal with proven efficacy in rodents. Preferred agents are:
- Fluconazole – oral or intraperitoneal, 10–20 mg/kg once daily; effective against most Candida strains.
- Itraconazole – oral, 5–10 mg/kg once daily; active against Aspergillus and dermatophytes.
- Voriconazole – oral or subcutaneous, 10 mg/kg twice daily; broad spectrum, reserved for resistant infections.
- Amphotericin B – intravenous, 0.5–1 mg/kg once daily; rapid fungicidal action, limited to severe systemic disease due to nephrotoxicity.
Third, determine treatment duration based on infection site and clinical response. Superficial lesions typically resolve after 7–14 days of therapy, while systemic involvement may require 4–6 weeks. Monitor weight, temperature, and lesion size daily; adjust dosage if adverse effects appear.
Fourth, provide supportive measures. Maintain a dry, well‑ventilated environment to limit fungal growth. Use sterile bedding and change it regularly. Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration; supplement with vitamin C (50 mg/kg) to support immune function. In immunocompromised colonies, consider prophylactic fluconazole at 5 mg/kg twice weekly.
Finally, implement biosecurity to prevent recurrence. Quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks, perform fungal screening, and disinfect cages with 1 % chlorhexidine or a copper‑based sanitizer. Document all cases, treatments, and outcomes to refine protocols.
Adhering to this systematic approach maximizes cure rates while minimizing drug toxicity and the spread of infection within rat populations.